2006-11-13 15:54:46 · 6 answers · asked by Mayra F 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
In the absence of friction, they would fall at exactly the same rate. In the real world, assuming the balls are the same size (which means the lighter ball is less dense) the heavier ball would be faster, because the drag would be similar but the driving force (the weight) would be different.
The reason they'd travel at the same speed when friction is neglected, is exactly the same reason they free-fall at the same speed; gravitational acceleration is uniform. Placing them on a ramp (or roller coaster track) simply dilutes the effect based on the sine of the angle to horizontal.
2006-11-13 16:04:25 · answer #1 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are both in a vaccuum, they will fall at the same rate (since gravity is a constant). If they are outside, air resistance will give the advantage to the heavier ball. This advantage will become more marked over greater distances.
2006-11-14 00:04:47 · answer #2 · answered by j_n_turner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The smaller ball has a relatively larger surface area,thus more wind resistance.
The large ball would win!
2006-11-14 10:12:49 · answer #3 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the heavy ball will gain momentum and will go faster than the smaller ball
2006-11-14 00:02:08 · answer #4 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you ever hear of Galileo ?
Look him up and you will have a better answer than you ever imagined. It's just physics.
Jonnie
2006-11-14 00:56:51 · answer #5 · answered by Jonnie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heavy ball i would say.
2006-11-14 00:02:00 · answer #6 · answered by Jacques 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋